MLKinMemphis.com Chronicles King’s 1968 Visit to Memphis  

On the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. we encourage you to visit a project very special to us, our sister station in Memphis’ website MLKinMemphis.com. There you’ll see 1968 footage from the fateful events that carried Memphis through the turbulent Sanitation Workers’ Strike, and the famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech by Dr. King on the eve of his assassination. Through our partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum, we’ve also provided a wealth of information and resources on the Civil Rights Movement right here in Memphis. Additional resources have also been provided with the assistance of The Commercial Appeal and the Shelby County Register’s Office.

Some of the stories you’ll find on MLMinMemphis.com:

FOX13 News Story Archive:

A View from the Mountaintop: Dr. King in Memphis
It’s been nearly 40 years since civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. The National Civil Rights Museum has teamed up with FOX13 to create a website dedicated to the events surrounding the death of Dr. King in 1968.

Anniversary of King’s Death Brings Spotlight to Memphis
The National Civil Rights Museum is gearing up for the international spotlight. Members of the national media have started to arrive in Memphis to cover the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s death. From lectures to exhibits, to marches, there’s a full calendar of events for the upcoming days. But with so much national attention, the museum wants to make sure Memphians aren’t lost in the shuffle.

Jackson, Kyles Return to Site of King’s Death
There was a rare sight Friday afternoon at the National Civil Rights Museum. Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Billy Kyles were both in the Bluff City. They returned to the very balcony where Dr. Martin Luther King was killed 40 years ago. Both men were with King that day.

Bus Driver Took Fisk Students on Freedom Ride
Friday marks 40 years since civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King was tragically murdered in Memphis. The anniversary has some traveling back in time to the days before the south was desegregated. In 1961, while in his twenties, Jim Ruth worked for a Nashville bus company. That year a special group of students from Fisk University boarded his bus and took a Freedom Ride.

Retired MPD Officer Vividly Recalls King’s Assassination
The approach of the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Junior’s assassination in Memphis has stirred memories for one former Memphis police officer. Jerry Williams said he still doesn’t know the reasons why the protection provided for King by the MPD was so lax. Especially since the security team assigned to King, which he had headed up on previous occasions, was not called to duty on that fateful day.

Hooks Remembers King’s Friendship
Nearly 40 years after his death, Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s memory has been elevated by many to the status of legend. It’s a view also shared by 2007 Medal of Freedom Award winner, Memphian Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks. But, as FOX13’s Les Smith reports, Hooks has his own special memories of King as simply a dear friend.

SCLC President: Memphis Should Break Molds, End Stereotypes
His courage cost him his life, but it’s a life still celebrated, 40 years later. However, it’s more than a celebration; one national civil rights leader says the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s death is also about education. He’s asking Memphis to lead the way in redeeming the soul of America.

Online Documentary Examines King’s Assassination
As we anticipate celebrating the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s death, FOX13 has contributed to a new online resource aimed at exposing all aspects of the events leading up to and following his death. It’s a documentary produced by the Shelby County Register’s Office and it brings to light parts of the investigation that have sat on the shelf for the last four decades.

COGIC Minister Hopes to Reclaim Black Youth
The commemoration of the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King is drawing dignitaries and spawned a full calendar of events. One of the most anticipated events will take place on Thursday night at Mason Temple where King preached his last sermon. But that night, the identity of the speaker and the proposal he’ll announce could prove to be a memorable event of its own. Many hope the sermon will lay the groundwork for social change.

Rev. Al Sharpton Leads Sunday Service
Today starts a week of events commemorating the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination. “The National Action Network” is holding its convention here in Memphis this week. Sunday, the group’s leader, Rev. Al Sharpton was at New Sardis Baptist Church. FOX13’s Lauren Lee got a chance to speak one on one with Rev. Sharpton.

Harry Belafonte to Speak at MLK Town Hall Meeting
U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen joins FOX13 to discuss the upcoming Town Hall Meeting honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and announce a very special guest speaker - Harry Belafonte. The meeting takes place Saturday, April 5 at Rhodes College starting at 10:00am.

Civil Rights Museum Gets Facelift for Somber Anniversary
There’s a major restoration underway at the National Civil Rights museum. Tuesday morning, volunteers will begin power washing, painting and dusting the landmark which opened in Memphis in 1991. The timing couldn’t be better, because April 4 marks the 40 anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s assassination at the site which was once the Lorraine Motel.

Civil Rights Museum Gets Sprucing Up from Star
Actor Samuel L. Jackson grabbed a paintbrush Tuesday afternoon with 100 other volunteers to give the National Civil Rights Museum a makeover. Next week marks 40 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot on a balcony at what was then the Lorraine Motel.

Reflection, Service Marks Anniversary of King’s Death
Monday marked the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s death. King was assassinated while visiting Memphis in 1968. The calendar was packed with events being hosted not just at the National Civil Rights Museum, but also at churches and service organizations all places where folks reflected and dedicated the day to service.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Talks about Dr. King
The Reverend Jesse Jackson was at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s side when he was assassinated in 1968. He talks with FOX13 about the events surround the civil rights leader’s untimely death.